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11/02/2005 09:49:45 PM · #26 |
zippy, you first have to decide what you want to upgrade your gear to.
Is this for DPC, to make those great shots that you can't get right now?
If so, Prof_fate has some great advice.
If you intend to compete with the guy next to you that is also shooting the same game but with high quality gear. Then you should consider saving your money, and do it right the first time.
The lens is the eyes to your camera, and again quality is a must in the competative world of photography. My bias is Canon, but, you need to determine what YOU want to do before you spend alot of money, and waste alot of time.
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11/02/2005 11:25:41 PM · #27 |
Trying different lenses is one way to know what you like or don't like.
This week i bought a Tamron 24-135 SP AF 3.5-5.6 lens. I did lots of research. I did not try a Canon 28-135 IS USM, it was my second choice. At teh store the guy had me try a Canon 17-85 IS USM.
Man, what a tough decision! The canon was better at focusing (speed) and seemed sharper when on the camera (once i got the pics on the computer i saw less difference). My current main lens is a Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DC...i like it, but want more range. So...the canon was nice, but $200 more, and not much more range than my Sigma. The Tamron had more at the long end but was less wide...both focus faster than the Sigma, my one complaint about it. Sooo...how to pick a lens? It is not easy! I may go to the Canon 17-40 4L lens as a replacement to my Sigma. Better focus, similar optically, more money of course. Less range, but that is not the issue is was 5 months ago when i chose the Sigma.
Sooo...look here at the sample shots ffrom the lenses you like and see if they are consitently sharp and contrasty enough for you. My experience is Sigma has better contrast and warmer color than Tamrons, but the Tammies focus faster. The Sigmas seem slightly sharper to me, but my new lens is a tamron...
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11/03/2005 08:43:04 AM · #28 |
Originally posted by Zippy:
My boyfriend is going to get me a lens for my birthday and I'd like to get something that would be good for sports and wildlife pictures. Currently I have the kit lens for the Canon Digital Rebel and the 100mm f2.8 USM macro lens.
I have been reading about lenses, but I'm not sure what would be my best choice. What would you recommend? |
For wildlife, you need something in the 400-600 range. I say that due to an opportunity in Alaska to shoot Brown Bear (from a distance) and my longest lense was a 75-300. The bear was barely visable on a 4x6 and severly out of focus on anything larger. That convinced me that more reach was required. I later acquired the 50-500 Sigma Ex and with the D70's crop factor of 1.5, gives the equivalent reach of a 750. This I have personally found to be more in line with wildlife needs. Someday, I would love to get an 800mm which would allow me 1200 (w/ crop factor). However, it is not practical to carry nor will by budget likely ever be able to afford one, regardless of the tax deductibility.
There are other options, but for my 1000.00, the 50-500 Ex was excactly what I was looking for. It also is very capable of capturing some very nice shots.
 
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11/03/2005 09:31:08 AM · #29 |
| I just bought the Sigma (Bigma)50-500mm a few weeks ago and it has become my everyday lens. It's very crisp and clear at all ranges. It might be a little heavier for some to pack around, but if you can live with that the shots will amaze you |
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11/03/2005 10:47:31 AM · #30 |
Thanks everyone! There is a lot of helpful information here. It is still a hard decision, but you guys have helped a lot. I'll let you know what I finally decide.
-Roxanne |
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11/03/2005 10:53:44 AM · #31 |
Look at used lenses, I got my Canon 70-200 2.8L for 840, quite the savings from the 1100 dollar new price tag.
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